Veterans Day Services in Ventura County

Veterans Day is November 11th.  Here are some local options to honor those who have served our country.

2011 Events (will be updated in 2012):

Annual Veterans Day Event at Reagan Library starts at 10:30 am with a tribute, remarks and music at 11 am, childrens' choir, Civil War reenactment, military vehicles, etc. until 3 pm.

The American Legion and others host Veterans Day services in Moorpark. A 10 am ceremony will take place at the Moorpark Veterans' Memorial followed by refreshments.

From 11 am to 1 pm there will be a Veterans Day service at Rancho Tapo Community Park in Simi Valley. featuring guest speakers, flag ceremony and more. The event is sponsored by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. 

On November 9th, the City of Thousand Oaks Military Services Journal will be available for signature at City Hall.

A Veterans Day Ceremony usually takes place at Constitution Park in Camarillo at 11 am. The city's phone number is 805.388.5307.

Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura hosts an annual Veterans Day event. Visit www.ivylawn.org or call 805.642.1055 for details about this event.

The Malibu Chamber of Commerce and City of Malibu present the 12th Annual Veteran's Day Ceremony at Legacy Park from 11 am to 1 pm.  Call 310.456.2489 for more information.

A Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at Calabasas Library on Saturday, November 12th from 1-3PM. Afternoon of discussion, crafts and refreshments. For the whole family.

Vets Eat Free on Veterans Day at Applebees: Free entree to all active duty and vets.

Vets Eat Free on Veterans Day at Chilis from 11am to 5pm

Buy One Get One Entree Free at T.G.I. Fridays on Veterans Day

Free Entree to all vets and active duty at Olive Garden on Veterans Day

This list is just a starting point. Contact your local city hall offices if you are looking for other options.

The following is courtesy of professional photographer Scott Harrison (www.harrysonpics.com):

Vietnam veteran David Stull stands guard while supporting a flagpole carrying the American flag at the Garden of Valor at Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village. This was one of three 30 minute shifts he stood guard. November 1984 photo by Scott Harrison/The News Chronicle

Back in the 1980s Conejo Valley residents would observe a 24-hour vigil during the Veterans Day holiday. I took photos several times, but this 1984 photo at dusk remains my favorite. The current full name of Valley Oaks is Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park. The flame is still burning at the Garden of Valor.